Lexus ES 350e: Eighth-Generation Saloon Becomes Brand's First All-Electric Model

The eighth iteration of the Lexus ES has arrived as the first all-electric version of the model that joined the line-up in 1989. Sharing underpinnings with the Toyota Camry and Crown, the fastback saloon starts at £59,000 in the UK, with the Takumi Edition priced from £72,545. A 77kWh battery delivers 361 miles of WLTP-rated range, equivalent to at least 300 miles in regular use, while 224hp allows 0-62mph in 8 seconds. The interior features bamboo door trim made from 3D printed elements with backlighting, a 14-inch multimedia screen, a 12.3-inch steering wheel display, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio upgrade over the standard 10-speaker set-up. A 517-litre boot and reclining rear seats with heat, ventilation and massage are available. The ES follows the 1983 'Circle F' project, in which Toyota invested $1bn and produced 97 prototypes before launching the 1989 Lexus LS460. Lexus continues to emphasise Japanese craft concepts such as Omotenashi, Takumi and Kaizen, while Chinese conglomerates Geely, SAIC, Chery and Xiaomi seed new brands. The review notes that 19-inch wheels add 28 miles of range over the 21-inch option.